Everest Base Camp & Gokyo Lakes
From: $2,200 USD for 19 to 21 Days
Highlights: Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lakes, Gokyo Ri, Kala Patar.
Price: From $2,200 (depending on season and availability)
Start/Finish: Kathmandu-Nepal
Days: 19 to 21
Physical Rating: Difficult. Customers must be in good physical condition.
Age: 18 to 40
Group Size: 2 to 12
Accommodation: 2 nights hotel. 16 nights tea houses.
Optional Activities: Helicopter ride around Everest, city tour, Bhaktapur excursion.
Meals: Not included
Dates Available - 2019: SOLD OUT.
Dates Available - 2020: 26th September, 24th November and 1st December. Additional dates are available on request. Discounts are also available for group bookings larger than 4.
Itinerary Map and Summary
This is the summarized itinerary. For the detailed itinerary please refer to the section below. We offer both a 19 and 21 day tour for this trek. Both treks cover the same itinerary, however the 21 day tour has 2 extra acclimatization and rest days. Clients often find that 19 days of continuous hiking at high altitude can be difficult and can prevent them from reaching the most difficult parts of the trek, such as Gokyo Ri, Base Camp and Kala Patar. As these are the most scenic and rewarding parts of the trek, we prefer our clients to take the 21 day trek to improve their chances of completing the entire trek.
As noted in the map, we will follow the route below:
Day 1 - Kathmandu
Day 2 - Kathmandu to Phakding
Day 3 - Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Day 4 - Namche Bazaar
Day 5 - Namche Bazaar to Mongla
Day 6 - Mongla to Dole
Day 7 - Dole to Machhermo
Day 8 - Machhermo to Gokyo
Day 9 - Gokyo to Gokyo Ri
Day 10 - Gokyo to Machhermo
Day 11 - Machhermo to Phortse
Day 12 - Phortse to Dingboche
Day 13 - Dingboche to Lobuje
Day 14 - Lobuje to Gorak Shep to EBC
Day 15 - Gorak Shep to Kala Patar
Day 16 - Gorak Shep - Pheriche
Day 17 - Pheriche to Namche Bazaar
Day 18 - Namche Bazaar to Phakding
Day 19 - Phakding to Lukla
Day 20 - Lukla to Kathmandu
Day 21 - Kathmandu
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 to 3
Day 1: Kathmandu
Namaste! Please check into the hotel and be ready at 1pm for our team briefing. We will leave details of the meeting at reception, so please ask them where the meeting will be held. After the meeting we will help you rent any equipment that you still need. In the evening we will attend a team dinner at an authentic Nepalese restaurant with traditional dancing. Please have an early night as you will need to make sure your bags are packed and ready for the early morning flight tomorrow.
Altitude: 1,400 meters. Estimated walking time: None. Accommodation: Hotel. Meals Included: None. Shower: Yes. Electricity: Yes.
Day 2: Kathmandu to Phakding
We depart early this morning to catch our flight to Lukla. Try to secure a seat on the left side of the plane for a breathtaking view of the Himalayas. Once we touchdown you will be able to meet the other guides and porters. The walk today is short so take your time and enjoy the scenery.
Altitude: 2,600 meters. Estimated walking time: 3 hours. Accommodation: Teahouse.
Meals Included: None. Shower: Yes (additional charges apply). Electricity: charging available (additional charges apply).
Day 3: Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Today is an intense 7 hour hike. Most of the journey is uphill but we will take lots of breaks to help you acclimatise. You will get your first glimpse of Everest today and will also be able to see Lhotse, Nuptse, Taweche, Kusum Kanguru and Thamserku. Once you reach Namche Bazaar be sure to pick up any last minute supplies. This will be your last opportunity to buy any gear you need.
Altitude: 3,400 meters. Estimated walking time: 7 hours. Accommodation: Teahouse. Meals Included: None. Shower: Yes (additional charges apply). Electricity: charging available (additional charges apply).
Day 4 to 6
Day 4: Namche Bazaar
Today is an acclimatization day. Take plenty of rest and drink lots of water. There will be an optional hike up to the national park headquarters which hosts a museum. The museum provides insight into the local Sherpa life and information about the Himalayan ecosystem. Just outside the museum is a great vantage point where you can spot Everest and see the beautiful Khumbu peaks.
Altitude: 3,400 to 3,800 meters. Estimated walking time: 3 hours (optional). Accommodation: Teahouse. Meals Included: None. Shower: Yes (additional charges apply). Electricity: charging available (additional charges apply).
Day 5: Namche Bazaar to Mongla
Keep an eye out for Mountain goats, pheasants and eagles as they are often seen on this trail. When you reach Mongla you will be amazed by the views. The Himalayas tower in front of this secluded tea house. Make sure to check out the view at night as the moon illuminates the silhouettes of the giant mountains.
Altitude: 3,900 meters. Estimated walking time: 5 hours. Accommodation: Teahouse. Meals Included: None. Shower: No
Electricity: No
Day 6: Mongla to Dole
Enjoy the excellent views of Kantega, Thamserku, Ama Dablam, Cho Oyo. There is an optional hike from Dole to a vantage point that has great views of Cho Oyo, Gyachung Kang, Taweche and Cholatse.
Altitude: 4,000 meters. Estimated walking time: 4 hours. Accommodation: Teahouse. Meals Included: None.
Shower: No. Electricity: limited charging available (additional charges apply).
Day 7 to 10
Day 7: Dole to Machhermo
The walk today is relatively short. You can use your time at Machhermo to check out the informative acclimatisation clinic or to walk around the town.
Altitude: 4,400 meters. Estimated walking time: 3 hours. Accommodation: Teahouse. Meals Included: None. Shower: No. Electricity: limited charging available (additional charges apply).
Day 8: Machhermo to Gokyo
Today you will walk through the glacial debris of Ngozumpa Glacier. Look out for Tibetan snow cocks. The hike is long and the altitude can be difficult to adjust to, but the stunning blue Gokyo lakes will make it worth it.
Altitude: 4,700 meters. Estimated walking time: 4 hours. Accommodation: Teahouse. Meals Included: None. Shower: No. Electricity: No.
Day 9: Gokyo to Gokyo Ri
Today is an acclimatization and rest day. If the group is up to it we can head off to Gokyo Ri this morning or go for some additional hikes around the lakes.
Altitude: 4,700 to 5,400 meters. Estimated walking time: 0 to 5 hours. Accommodation: Teahouse. Meals Included: None. Shower: No. Electricity: No.
Day 10: Gokyo to Gokyo Ri to Machhermo
It is a challenging hike up Gokyo Peak but you will be rewarded with the best panorama view. You will be able to see four 8,000 meter-plus peaks, Everest (8848m), Cho-Oyo (8153m), Lhotse (8511m) and Makalu (8481m). You will also be able to see Gyachung Kang, Cholatse, Taweche, Kangchung, Gokyo lakes and Ngozumpa Glacier. Although the way back to Machhermo is long, it is a gentle "Nepali-flat" walk.
Altitude: 4,400 meters. Estimated walking time: 7 hours. Accommodation: Teahouse. Meals Included: None. Shower: No. Electricity: limited charging available (additional charges apply).
Day 11 to 13
Day 11: Machhermo to Phortse
Keep an eye out for musk deer along the trail as they are often seen here. Enjoy the culture and experience of being in Phortse as not many tourists get to visit this traditional Sherpa village.
Altitude: 3,800 meters. Estimated walking time: 5 hours. Accommodation: Teahouse. Meals Included: None. Shower: No. Electricity: limited charging available (additional charges apply).
Day 12: Phortse to Dingboche
Keep a lookout above as Himalayan eagles are often seen flying above the trail. On the way to Dingboche you will have the chance to visit the monastery that claims to hold the hand and scalp of a yeti. You can also want the sunset over Ama Dablam, the south face of Lhotse and Island Peak.
Altitude: 4,400 meters. Estimated walking time: 6 hours. Accommodation: Teahouse. Meals Included: None. Shower: No. Electricity: No.
Day 13: Dingboche to Lobuje
The views today will include Taweche, Cholatse, Lobuje Peak, snowfields of Cho La, Khumbu Glacier, Pumori, Lingtren, Khumbutse and Changtse. Walk slowly today to take in the amazing views and adjust to the altitude.
Altitude: 4,900 meters. Estimated walking time: 6 hours. Accommodation: Teahouse. Meals Included: None. Shower: No. Electricity: No.
Day 14 to 17
Day 14: Lobuje to Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp
Today is the big day! The trek to Gorak Shep is not too tough, but you will need to stock up on snacks and save up some energy to make it up the hill to base camp. At base camp you can see stunning glaciers, lakes, caves and the infamous Everest Ice Fall. This Ice Fall is regarded as the most technically difficult and dangerous section of the mountain. After taking one last look at base camp, it's time to headback to Gorak Shep for a well deserved rest.
Altitude: 5,100 to 5,400 meters. Estimated walking time: 8 hours. Accommodation: Teahouse. Meals Included: None. Shower: No. Electricity: No.
Day 15: Gorak Shep to Kala Patar
Today is an acclimatization day. If the group is up to it we can hike up to Kala Patar and other vantage points to see Everest. If the group wants to relax, we can climb Kala Patar tomorrow morning. There is also an optional scenic helicopter flight which flies parallel to Everest, over base camp and then back around the other iconic mountains. This optional activity is highly recommended as it is often the highlight of the trip.
Altitude: 5,100 to 5,600 meters. Estimated walking time: 0 to 6 hours. Accommodation: Teahouse. Meals Included: None. Shower: No. Electricity: No.
Day 16: Gorak Shep to Kala Patar to Pheriche
Wake up early to climb Kala Patar. From this rocky hilltop you can watch the sunrise over Everest. You will also be able to see Pumori, Nuptse, Changtse, Ama Dablam Taweche, Kantega and base camp. After taking in this amazing view it's back down to Gorak Shep to start the trek to Pheriche.
Altitude: 4,400 meters. Estimated walking time: 8 hours. Accommodation: Teahouse. Meals Included: None. Shower: Yes (additional charges apply). Electricity: limited charging available (additional charges apply).
Day 17: Pheriche to Namche Bazaar
Today you will see great views of Imja Valley, Ama Dablam and Kantega. We will also be visiting a local monastery in Thyangboche. You will reach Namche Bazaar in the afternoon so you can get your much needed coffee fix or go out to the local Irish pub for a drink.
Altitude: 3,400 meters. Estimated walking time: 7 hours. Accommodation: Teahouse. Meals Included: None. Shower: Yes (additional charges apply). Electricity: charging available (additional charges apply).
Day 18 to 21
Day 18: Namche Bazaar to Phakding
Enjoy the walk through lush blue pine and rhododendron forest. Keep a look out for Kusum Kangaru.
Altitude: 2,600 meters. Estimated walking time: 4 hours. Accommodation: Teahouse. Meals Included: None. Shower: Yes (additional charges apply). Electricity: charging available (additional charges apply).
Day 19: Phakding to Lukla
You did it, you made it back to Lukla! You will have free time during the day to grab a coffee, have a drink or do some souvenir shopping. In the evening there will be a celebration dinner with the guides and porters.
Altitude: 2,900 meters. Estimated walking time: 3.5 hours. Accommodation: Teahouse. Meals Included: None. Shower: Yes (additional charges apply). Electricity: charging available (additional charges apply).
Day 20: Lukla to Kathmandu
Today you will fly from Lukla to Kathmandu. The flight is about 45 minutes but delays at the airport can often take a few hours. When you land in Kathmandu you will have free time to explore the city. In the evening there will be a group dinner with the tour leader and a chance to say goodbye to your new found friends.
Altitude: 1,400 meters. Flight time: 45 minutes. Estimated walking time: None. Accommodation: Teahouse. Meals Included: None. Shower: Yes. Electricity: Yes.
Day 21: Kathmandu
The tour ends here, but there are plenty of optional activities that you can do if you are not flying out straight away. These include, rock climbing or tours around the city and Bhaktapur.
Please note that the itinerary may change due to poor weather or safety concerns. However, we will do our best to ensure you get the most out of your time in Nepal.
Email us for more information or to book a hike today.